Environmental
Radiation
Data
REPORT 150
April-June 2012
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
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11
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Contents
Page
List of Tables v
Preface vii
Acknowledgments ix
Data Reporting Conventions xi
1. Air Program 1
Airborne Particulates and Precipitation 1
Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates 17
2. Water Program 19
3. Milk Program 23
Pasteurized Milk 23
in
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iv
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List of Tables
Table Page
1 Reporting Units and Minimum Detectable Concentrations xiii
2 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: April 2012 2
3 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: May 2012 6
4 Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates: June 2012 10
5 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: April 2012 14
6 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: May 2012 15
7 Specific Gamma in Precipitation: June 2012 16
8 Tritium in Drinking Water: April-June 2012 20
9 Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk: April-June 2012 24
v
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vi
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Preface
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) contains data from the RadNet monitoring system
(formerly ERAMS), which is operated by the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air's National
Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama. ERD is
published in both hard-copy and electronic formats. Electronic reports are available online at
http://www.epa.gov/narel. RadNet data are also available online in a searchable database at:
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/radnet
The United States Environmental Protection Agency established RadNet in 1973 with an
emphasis on identifying trends in the accumulation of long-lived radionuclides in the environ-
ment. RadNet is comprised of a nationwide network of sampling stations that provide air
particulate, precipitation, drinking water, and milk samples.
Sampling locations are selected to provide population and geographic coverage for the United
States. The radiation analyses performed on RadNet samples may include gross alpha and gross
beta analysis, gamma analyses, and radionuclide-specific analyses for isotopes of uranium,
plutonium, strontium, iodine, radium, and tritium. This monitoring effort also provides informa-
tion on natural background levels and possible accidental releases into the environment.
vii
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viii
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Acknowledgments
All sampling for the RadNet monitoring system (formerly ERAMS) is performed by volunteer
collectors who are frequently members of health departments or related environmental agencies
of their respective states. The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
(NAREL), on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, would like to acknowledge
the time and effort of these volunteer collectors, who are so essential to the successful operation
of RadNet. The efforts of the sample collectors are especially appreciated during times of
emergency operation when sampling frequencies are increased and schedules are sometimes
demanding.
IX
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x
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Data Reporting Conventions
Every laboratory measurement involves uncertainty. When there is little or no radioactivity in a
sample, one consequence of measurement uncertainty is the possibility of obtaining a measured
value that is less than zero. Such a negative result occurs when random effects in the measure-
ment process cause the measured value for the sample to be less than that of the blank or back-
ground, which is subtracted from it. From April 1991 to December 1995, negative results were
reported as "not detected" or "ND," and gamma analysis results that were less than their
estimated measurement uncertainties were also reported as "ND." In January 1996, both of these
practices were discontinued. Although negative activities are physically impossible, the inclusion
of negative results in the report allows better statistical analysis of the data.
Results of gamma analyses are still reported as "ND" when gamma-emitting radionuclides are
not detected.
Measurement Uncertainty
Each measured value y is reported with an expanded uncertainty U=k uc(y), which is determined
from the combined standard uncertainty uc(y) and the coverage factor k = 2. The interval from
y- Utoy+ Uis estimated to have a level of confidence of approximately 95 %.
Significant Figures
Expanded uncertainties are reported to two significant figures. Measurement results are rounded
to the corresponding number of decimal places.
Detection Capability
The minimum detectable concentrations (MDCs) for each radionuclide are shown in Table 1.
The MDC is defined as the minimum concentration that gives a 95 % probability of detection
when the detection criteria are chosen to give only a 5 % probability of false detection in a
sample that is analyte-free.
XI
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Xll
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Table 1
Reporting Units and Minimum Detectable Concentrations
for Radionuclide Analyses
Radionuclide
Media
Reporting Unit
IMinimum
Detectable
Concentration
Gross Alpha
Water
pCi/L
2
Gross Beta
Air
pCi/m3
0.0015
Water
pCi/L
2
Precipitation
pCi/L
2
Tritium
Water
pCi/L
150
* Plutonium-23 8,23 9/240
Air
aCi/m3
0.75
Water
pCi/L
0.1
f Uranium-234,235,238
Air
aCi/m3
0.75
Water
pCi/L
0.1
Radium-226
Water
pCi/L
0.02
Strontium-90
Milk
pCi/L
2
Water
pCi/L
1
t Iodine-131
Milk (gamma)
pCi/L
4
Water (gamma)
pCi/L
4
Water
pCi/L
0.3
Cesium-137
Milk
pCi/L
5
Water
pCi/L
5
{ Barium-140
Milk
pCi/L
15
Water
pCi/L
15
Potassium
Milk
g/L
0.06
Water
g/L
0.06
Potassium-40
Water
pCi/L
50
* The MDC for air is based on an assumed total sample volume of 120,000 m3. Measurement by alpha
spectrometry includes combined activities of 239Pu and 240Pu, since the relative contributions of these two
isotopes cannot be determined.
¦f The MDC for air is based on an assumed total sample volume of 120,000 m3.
} Activity as of the day of counting.
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xiv
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1. Air Program
Airborne Particulates and Precipitation
Gross beta radioactivity measurements and certain specific analyses are performed on air partic-
ulates and precipitation samples as indicator measurements in assessing the general (national)
impact of all contributing sources on environmental levels of radiation. Continuous air samplers
collect airborne particulates at field stations representing wide geographic coverage throughout
the United States.
Filters (10 cm diameter synthetic fiber) from air samplers are changed routinely, and generally
field measurements are made with a dual-phosphor scintillation counter at least 5 hours after
222
collection to allow Rn progeny to decay. Field estimates are reported to appropriate EPA
officials by telephone or mail depending on the activity levels found; however, as of the first
quarter of 2012, NAREL no longer reports field estimates in Environmental Radiation Data.
The filters are sent to NAREL for more sensitive analysis in a gas proportional counter. Gamma
scans are performed on all filters showing gross beta activity greater than 1 pCi/m3.
All stations routinely submit precipitation samples as rainfall, snow, or sleet occurs. The precip-
itation samples are composited at NAREL into single monthly samples for each station. Each
month that precipitation occurs, an aliquant of the composited sample is analyzed for gamma-
emitting radionuclides. NAREL discontinued gross beta analysis of precipitation in January 2010
and discontinued tritium analysis of precipitation in January 2012.
1
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Table 2
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
7
0.004
0.002
0.003
AK: Fairbanks
8
0.011
0.004
0.007
AK: Juneau
6
0.009
0.001
0.003
AL: Birmingham
8
0.017
0.007
0.010
AL: Montgomery/408
9
0.014
0.008
0.011
AR: Fort Smith
4
0.009
0.008
0.009
AR: Little Rock
8
0.012
0.006
0.009
AZ: Phoenix
9
0.017
0.006
0.011
AZ: Phoenix/956
8
0.015
0.006
0.010
AZ: Tucson
9
0.015
0.006
0.011
AZ: Yuma
1
0.011
0.011
0.011
CA: Anaheim
7
0.010
0.004
0.006
CA: Bakersfield
6
0.011
0.002
0.006
CA: Eureka
1
0.001
0.001
0.001
CA: Los Angeles
5
0.008
0.004
0.006
CA: Richmond
4
0.005
0.002
0.004
CA: Riverside
8
0.010
0.003
0.006
CA: Sacramento
9
0.005
0.002
0.003
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
8
0.014
0.003
0.007
CA: San Diego
4
0.008
0.003
0.006
CA: San Francisco
9
0.003
0.001
0.002
CA: San Jose
8
0.005
0.002
0.003
CO: Colorado Springs
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
CO: Denver
5
0.010
0.006
0.008
CO: Grand Junction
6
0.011
0.007
0.009
CT: Hartford
9
0.009
0.003
0.006
DC: Washington
8
0.008
0.004
0.006
DE: Dover
5
0.008
0.004
0.006
FL: Jacksonville
8
0.009
0.005
0.007
FL: Miami
4
0.006
0.004
0.005
FL: Orlando
9
0.010
0.005
0.008
FL: Tallahassee
5
0.015
0.008
0.011
GA: Atlanta
3
0.009
0.008
0.008
GA: Augusta
6
0.011
0.009
0.010
HI: Hilo
9
0.007
0.002
0.004
HI: Honolulu
8
0.006
0.001
0.004
IA: Des Moines
8
0.014
0.006
0.009
IA: Mason City
6
0.010
0.006
0.007
2
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
ID: Idaho Falls
7
0.011
0.005
0.008
IL: Aurora
8
0.015
0.007
0.009
IL: Chicago
9
0.011
0.005
0.007
IN: Fort Wayne
3
0.009
0.008
0.008
IN: Indianapolis
9
0.013
0.005
0.009
KS: Kansas City
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
KS: Topeka
9
0.013
0.006
0.010
KS: Wichita
7
0.014
0.006
0.010
KY: Lexington
8
0.016
0.009
0.012
KY: Louisville
7
0.010
0.005
0.007
LA: Baton Rouge
9
0.010
0.004
0.006
LA: Shreveport
4
0.009
0.006
0.007
MA: Boston
9
0.007
0.003
0.005
MA: Worcester
7
0.010
0.005
0.008
MD: Baltimore
9
0.012
0.004
0.007
ME: Orono
3
0.008
0.003
0.005
ME: Portland
9
0.009
0.004
0.005
MI: Bay City 48708
9
0.010
0.005
0.008
MI: Detroit
9
0.010
0.005
0.008
MI: Grand Rapids
5
0.010
0.006
0.007
MI: Lansing
8
0.029
0.010
0.019
MN: Duluth
4
0.007
0.004
0.005
MN: St. Paul
4
0.007
0.005
0.006
MO: Jefferson City
9
0.010
0.004
0.007
MO: Springfield
7
0.014
0.006
0.010
MO: St. Louis
4
0.011
0.006
0.008
MS: Jackson/Deq
8
0.012
0.006
0.009
MT: Billings
4
0.008
0.005
0.007
NC: Charlotte
8
0.010
0.007
0.008
NC: Raleigh
4
0.006
0.004
0.005
NC: Wilmington
4
0.006
0.005
0.006
ND: Bismarck
7
0.010
0.007
0.008
NE: Kearney
9
0.010
0.005
0.008
NE: Lincoln
8
0.014
0.005
0.008
NE: Omaha
4
0.014
0.007
0.009
NJ: Edison
8
0.007
0.002
0.005
NM: Albuquerque
4
0.009
0.006
0.007
NM: Carlsbad
5
0.016
0.010
0.013
3
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
3
0.011
0.009
0.010
NV: Las Vegas/913
6
0.011
0.005
0.008
NV: Reno
8
0.021
0.006
0.009
NY: Albany
7
0.012
0.005
0.009
NY: Lockport
9
0.010
0.003
0.007
NY: New York City
4
0.008
0.005
0.006
NY: Rochester
6
0.009
0.003
0.007
NY: Syracuse
2
0.007
0.005
0.006
NY: Yaphank
6
0.005
0.004
0.004
OH: Cincinnati
7
0.014
0.006
0.009
OH: Cleveland
4
0.014
0.006
0.010
OH: Painesville
8
0.010
0.005
0.008
OH: Toledo
8
0.011
0.005
0.008
OK: Oklahoma City
6
0.013
0.006
0.009
OK: Tulsa
1
0.008
0.008
0.008
OR: Corvallis
8
0.004
0.001
0.002
OR: Portland
8
0.004
0.001
0.003
PA: Philadelphia
4
0.007
0.004
0.005
PA: Pittsburgh
6
0.012
0.005
0.007
PR: San Juan
8
0.007
0.003
0.004
RI: Providence
3
0.008
0.004
0.006
SC: Barnwell
1
0.009
0.009
0.009
SC: Columbia
4
0.011
0.006
0.009
SD: Pierre
9
0.009
0.004
0.006
SD: Rapid City
6
0.009
0.005
0.008
TN: Knoxville
5
0.015
0.009
0.012
TN: Memphis
5
0.013
0.008
0.010
TN: Nashville
7
0.010
0.007
0.008
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
7
0.012
0.007
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
7
0.015
0.004
0.010
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
7
0.017
0.009
0.012
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
7
0.013
0.007
0.010
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
7
0.010
0.007
0.009
TX: Austin
4
0.010
0.008
0.009
TX: Dallas
8
0.014
0.002
0.010
TX: El Paso
6
0.016
0.006
0.013
TX: Ft. Worth
7
0.014
0.007
0.010
TX: Harlingen
5
0.014
0.007
0.010
4
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Table 2 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
April 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
TX: Houston
8
0.015
0.008
0.011
TX: Laredo
7
0.015
0.008
0.011
TX: Lubbock
4
0.011
0.007
0.009
TX: San Angelo
9
0.018
0.006
0.010
TX: San Antonio
9
0.014
0.007
0.010
UT: Salt Lake City
8
0.012
0.007
0.009
VA: Harrisonburg
9
0.013
0.006
0.009
VA: Lynchburg
9
0.012
0.006
0.008
VA: Richmond
9
0.009
0.004
0.007
VA: Virginia Beach
9
0.006
0.003
0.005
VT: Burlington
9
0.008
0.002
0.005
WA: Olympia
8
0.004
0.001
0.002
WA: Richland
9
0.008
0.002
0.004
WA: Seattle
4
0.003
0.001
0.002
WA: Spokane
8
0.010
0.002
0.005
WI: Madison
8
0.012
0.006
0.008
WI: Milwaukee
8
0.009
0.003
0.006
WV: Charleston
5
0.008
0.006
0.007
5
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Table 3
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
6
0.005
0.001
0.002
AK: Fairbanks
10
0.007
0.002
0.004
AK: Juneau
5
0.002
0.001
0.001
AL: Birmingham
10
0.022
0.006
0.010
AL: Montgomery/408
9
0.026
0.006
0.014
AR: Fort Smith
1
0.009
0.009
0.009
AR: Little Rock
7
0.017
0.006
0.010
AZ: Phoenix
8
0.019
0.011
0.015
AZ: Phoenix/956
9
0.022
0.009
0.013
AZ: Tucson
9
0.015
0.009
0.012
AZ: Yuma
2
0.012
0.009
0.010
CA: Anaheim
9
0.011
0.003
0.008
CA: Bakersfield
7
0.013
0.004
0.009
CA: Eureka
5
0.004
0.001
0.002
CA: Fresno
4
0.010
0.006
0.008
CA: Los Angeles
4
0.012
0.005
0.008
CA: Richmond
5
0.006
0.002
0.004
CA: Riverside
9
0.011
0.003
0.008
CA: Sacramento
6
0.008
0.003
0.005
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
9
0.016
0.004
0.011
CA: San Diego
3
0.006
0.003
0.005
CA: San Francisco
8
0.005
0.001
0.003
CA: San Jose
8
0.008
0.002
0.005
CO: Colorado Springs
4
0.014
0.010
0.011
CO: Denver
9
0.014
0.007
0.010
CO: Grand Junction
3
0.015
0.012
0.014
CT: Hartford
8
0.007
0.001
0.004
DC: Washington
9
0.011
0.004
0.007
DE: Dover
4
0.007
0.003
0.005
FL: Jacksonville
9
0.008
0.003
0.005
FL: Miami
4
0.006
0.003
0.004
FL: Orlando
8
0.008
0.005
0.006
FL: Tallahassee
3
0.012
0.008
0.010
FL: Tampa
5
0.013
0.007
0.009
GA: Atlanta
4
0.013
0.007
0.010
GA: Augusta
8
0.013
0.008
0.011
HI: Hilo
9
0.009
0.002
0.005
HI: Honolulu
9
0.006
0.001
0.004
6
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
IA: Des Moines
8
0.012
0.005
0.008
IA: Mason City
5
0.011
0.004
0.007
ID: Idaho Falls
6
0.018
0.004
0.012
IL: Aurora
3
0.009
0.007
0.008
IL: Chicago
9
0.011
0.002
0.007
IN: Fort Wayne
5
0.013
0.008
0.010
IN: Indianapolis
8
0.018
0.007
0.011
KS: Kansas City
8
0.010
0.005
0.008
KS: Topeka
7
0.011
0.006
0.009
KS: Wichita
9
0.013
0.009
0.011
KY: Lexington
8
0.026
0.009
0.016
KY: Louisville
8
0.013
0.005
0.008
LA: Baton Rouge
7
0.011
0.003
0.007
LA: Shreveport
5
0.014
0.004
0.010
MA: Boston
8
0.007
0.002
0.004
MA: Worcester
9
0.008
0.002
0.006
MD: Baltimore
8
0.010
0.004
0.008
ME: Orono
4
0.005
0.004
0.005
ME: Portland
6
0.005
0.002
0.004
MI: Bay City 48708
8
0.013
0.004
0.007
MI: Detroit
9
0.014
0.004
0.008
MI: Grand Rapids
5
0.012
0.007
0.009
MI: Lansing
8
0.025
0.010
0.018
MN: Duluth
4
0.007
0.004
0.006
MN: St. Paul
5
0.010
0.004
0.007
MO: Jefferson City
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
MO: Springfield
7
0.017
0.006
0.011
MO: St. Louis
5
0.015
0.006
0.010
MS: Jackson/Deq
9
0.021
0.006
0.013
MT: Billings
4
0.015
0.008
0.011
NC: Charlotte
8
0.015
0.008
0.010
NC: Raleigh
4
0.007
0.004
0.006
NC: Wilmington
4
0.008
0.006
0.007
ND: Bismarck
9
0.010
0.002
0.007
NE: Kearney
8
0.013
0.006
0.009
NE: Lincoln
8
0.012
0.003
0.008
NE: Omaha
5
0.011
0.008
0.010
NJ: Edison
8
0.006
0.002
0.004
7
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Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NM: Albuquerque
3
0.010
0.008
0.009
NM: Carlsbad
5
0.021
0.013
0.017
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
4
0.016
0.013
0.014
NV: Las Vegas/913
5
0.015
0.009
0.012
NV: Reno
8
0.018
0.006
0.013
NY: Albany
7
0.013
0.004
0.009
NY: Lockport
8
0.010
0.005
0.007
NY: New York City
5
0.008
0.004
0.006
NY: Rochester
6
0.015
0.005
0.010
NY: Syracuse
4
0.010
0.007
0.009
NY: Yaphank
8
0.007
0.001
0.004
OH: Cincinnati
9
0.021
0.006
0.010
OH: Cleveland
9
0.015
0.007
0.010
OH: Painesville
8
0.012
0.006
0.009
OH: Toledo
10
0.018
0.005
0.010
OK: Oklahoma City
2
0.015
0.011
0.013
OK: Tulsa
7
0.021
0.007
0.011
OR: Corvallis
10
0.005
0.001
0.003
OR: Portland
10
0.005
0.001
0.003
PA: Philadelphia
5
0.007
0.003
0.006
PA: Pittsburgh
5
0.012
0.007
0.009
PR: San Juan
8
0.012
0.002
0.007
RI: Providence
5
0.005
0.002
0.003
SC: Columbia
6
0.018
0.008
0.013
SD: Pierre
9
0.011
0.002
0.007
SD: Rapid City
8
0.018
0.005
0.010
TN: Knoxville
8
0.040
0.009
0.017
TN: Memphis
3
0.015
0.007
0.011
TN: Nashville
7
0.013
0.006
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
8
0.015
0.007
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
8
0.019
0.008
0.012
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
8
0.019
0.008
0.013
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
8
0.019
0.008
0.013
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
8
0.016
0.006
0.011
TX: Austin
3
0.014
0.010
0.011
TX: Dallas
9
0.015
0.005
0.011
TX: El Paso
6
0.021
0.011
0.016
TX: Ft. Worth
8
0.014
0.005
0.010
8
-------
Table 3 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
May 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
TX: Harlingen
7
0.011
0.005
0.008
TX: Houston
9
0.021
0.005
0.013
TX: Lubbock
4
0.016
0.014
0.015
TX: San Angelo
5
0.012
0.008
0.010
TX: San Antonio
5
0.011
0.006
0.009
UT: Salt Lake City
9
0.021
0.009
0.014
VA: Harrisonburg
8
0.011
0.004
0.009
VA: Lynchburg
6
0.011
0.007
0.009
VA: Richmond
8
0.009
0.005
0.007
VA: Virginia Beach
9
0.007
0.002
0.005
VT: Burlington
8
0.008
0.003
0.005
WA: Olympia
8
0.005
0.001
0.003
WA: Richland
8
0.009
0.002
0.006
WA: Seattle
3
0.003
0.001
0.002
WA: Spokane
9
0.011
0.002
0.006
WI: Madison
9
0.013
0.006
0.010
WI: Milwaukee
9
0.011
0.005
0.007
WV: Charleston
7
0.017
0.009
0.011
9
-------
Table 4
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
AK: Anchorage
6
0.002
0.000
0.001
AK: Fairbanks
5
0.005
0.003
0.004
AK: Juneau
5
0.003
0.000
0.001
AL: Birmingham
8
0.014
0.006
0.008
AL: Montgomery/408
8
0.015
0.006
0.010
AR: Little Rock
8
0.014
0.006
0.009
AZ: Phoenix
8
0.018
0.007
0.011
AZ: Phoenix/956
6
0.011
0.006
0.009
AZ: Tucson
8
0.018
0.006
0.010
CA: Anaheim
8
0.008
0.004
0.007
CA: Bakersfield
9
0.013
0.004
0.008
CA: Eureka
4
0.001
0.001
0.001
CA: Fresno
5
0.006
0.003
0.005
CA: Los Angeles
4
0.009
0.005
0.007
CA: Richmond
4
0.002
0.002
0.002
CA: Riverside
9
0.008
0.004
0.006
CA: Sacramento
9
0.005
0.001
0.003
CA: San Bernardino Cty.
9
0.011
0.006
0.008
CA: San Diego
1
0.003
0.003
0.003
CA: San Francisco
8
0.002
0.001
0.001
CA: San Jose
8
0.004
0.002
0.003
CO: Colorado Springs
2
0.011
0.010
0.010
CO: Denver
7
0.012
0.008
0.009
CO: Grand Junction
6
0.012
0.007
0.009
CT: Hartford
8
0.008
0.002
0.004
DC: Washington
9
0.012
0.002
0.007
DE: Dover
5
0.012
0.003
0.006
FL: Jacksonville
8
0.008
0.004
0.005
FL: Miami
2
0.005
0.003
0.004
FL: Orlando
9
0.009
0.004
0.006
FL: Tallahassee
4
0.009
0.005
0.007
FL: Tampa
6
0.011
0.005
0.007
GA: Atlanta
5
0.009
0.006
0.008
GA: Augusta
8
0.014
0.007
0.009
HI: Hilo
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
HI: Honolulu
9
0.003
0.001
0.002
IA: Des Moines
5
0.009
0.005
0.007
IA: Mason City
6
0.007
0.003
0.006
10
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
ID: Idaho Falls
3
0.010
0.007
0.009
IL: Aurora
7
0.011
0.004
0.008
IL: Chicago
7
0.009
0.003
0.006
IN: Fort Wayne
4
0.009
0.005
0.008
IN: Indianapolis
9
0.012
0.004
0.007
KS: Kansas City
8
0.010
0.004
0.007
KS: Topeka
6
0.017
0.006
0.009
KS: Wichita
9
0.023
0.006
0.010
KY: Lexington
9
0.019
0.006
0.012
KY: Louisville
8
0.009
0.004
0.006
LA: Baton Rouge
9
0.009
0.003
0.005
LA: Shreveport
8
0.013
0.005
0.007
MA: Boston
9
0.007
0.002
0.004
MA: Worcester
8
0.009
0.003
0.005
MD: Baltimore
9
0.011
0.003
0.007
ME: Orono
4
0.005
0.003
0.004
ME: Portland
9
0.006
0.002
0.004
MI: Bay City 48708
6
0.012
0.004
0.006
MI: Detroit
8
0.008
0.003
0.006
MI: Grand Rapids
4
0.008
0.005
0.006
MI: Lansing
8
0.022
0.007
0.015
MN: Duluth
7
0.004
0.002
0.004
MN: St. Paul
4
0.007
0.005
0.006
MO: Jefferson City
9
0.016
0.004
0.007
MO: Springfield
5
0.015
0.006
0.009
MO: St. Louis
3
0.007
0.006
0.006
MS: Jackson/Deq
8
0.018
0.006
0.010
MT: Billings
4
0.009
0.007
0.008
NC: Charlotte
9
0.010
0.004
0.008
NC: Raleigh
2
0.010
0.003
0.007
NC: Wilmington
3
0.006
0.004
0.005
ND: Bismarck
7
0.012
0.005
0.007
NE: Kearney
6
0.013
0.004
0.008
NE: Lincoln
7
0.011
0.005
0.009
NE: Omaha
4
0.010
0.006
0.008
NH: Concord
5
0.014
0.002
0.007
NJ: Edison
7
0.008
0.003
0.004
NM: Albuquerque
4
0.010
0.006
0.008
11
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
NM: Carlsbad
2
0.021
0.015
0.018
NM: Navajo Lake St Park
4
0.016
0.010
0.013
NV: Las Vegas/913
3
0.011
0.005
0.008
NV: Reno
9
0.012
0.005
0.009
NY: Albany
8
0.012
0.003
0.007
NY: Lockport
6
0.009
0.004
0.006
NY: New York City
2
0.007
0.004
0.006
NY: Rochester
2
0.006
0.004
0.005
NY: Syracuse
3
0.008
0.004
0.006
NY: Yaphank
6
0.007
0.003
0.004
OH: Cincinnati
7
0.010
0.004
0.008
OH: Cleveland
8
0.013
0.004
0.008
OH: Painesville
9
0.010
0.004
0.007
OH: Toledo
8
0.013
0.004
0.007
OK: Oklahoma City
9
0.024
0.007
0.012
OK: Tulsa
6
0.010
0.005
0.009
OR: Corvallis
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
OR: Portland
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
PA: Philadelphia
3
0.009
0.003
0.006
PA: Pittsburgh
5
0.010
0.006
0.008
PR: San Juan
6
0.017
0.010
0.013
RI: Providence
3
0.005
0.003
0.004
SC: Columbia
7
0.009
0.007
0.008
SD: Pierre
8
0.011
0.005
0.007
SD: Rapid City
7
0.017
0.005
0.009
TN: Knoxville
7
0.017
0.005
0.012
TN: Memphis
5
0.013
0.007
0.009
TN: Nashville
6
0.010
0.004
0.007
TN: Oak Ridge/Bethel
8
0.016
0.005
0.009
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
7
0.021
0.006
0.010
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
8
0.021
0.007
0.011
TN: Oak Ridgc/Y12 E
8
0.020
0.006
0.011
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 W
8
0.015
0.005
0.009
TX: Austin
1
0.010
0.010
0.010
TX: Dallas
9
0.024
0.006
0.010
TX: El Paso
8
0.024
0.012
0.016
TX: Ft. Worth
7
0.021
0.005
0.009
TX: Harlingen
5
0.012
0.002
0.007
12
-------
Table 4 (continued)
Gross Beta in Airborne Particulates
June 2012
NAREL Lab
Number
Measurement
of
Max
IMin
Avg
Location
Samples
(pCi/m3)
TX: Houston
9
0.022
0.006
0.012
TX: Laredo
1
0.009
0.009
0.009
TX: Lubbock
4
0.016
0.009
0.012
TX: San Angelo
8
0.018
0.007
0.009
TX: San Antonio
9
0.016
0.006
0.008
UT: Salt Lake City
8
0.015
0.006
0.011
VA: Harrisonburg
2
0.010
0.008
0.009
VA: Lynchburg
9
0.013
0.005
0.008
VA: Richmond
8
0.013
0.002
0.006
VA: Virginia Beach
8
0.008
0.001
0.005
VT: Burlington
7
0.008
0.003
0.005
WA: Olympia
8
0.003
0.001
0.002
WA: Richland
8
0.006
0.001
0.003
WA: Seattle
4
0.002
0.001
0.002
WA: Spokane
7
0.006
0.002
0.003
WI: Madison
5
0.010
0.005
0.008
WI: Milwaukee
8
0.007
0.003
0.005
WV: Charleston
5
0.019
0.007
0.012
13
-------
Table 5
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
April 2012
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
ND
AR: Little Rock
Be-7
59
28
CA: Richmond
Be-7
29
19
CO: Denver
ND
CT: Hartford
Be-7
50
25
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
26
21
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
40
12
HI: Honolulu
Be-7
28
23
ID: Idaho Falls
ND
KS: Kansas City
ND
MA: Boston
Be-7
79
24
Pb-212
3.1
2.4
MI: Lansing
Be-7
26
22
MN: St. Paul
ND
MN: Welch/510
Be-7
58
28
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
31
22
NC: Wilmington
Be-7
25
22
Pb-212
2.5
2.4
NY: Albany
Ra-228
3.5
3.3
NY: Yap hank
ND
OR: Portland
ND
PA: Harrisburg
ND
TN: Knoxville
ND
TN: Nashville
ND
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
59
24
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
64
27
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
60
26
UT: Salt Lake City
ND
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
Be-7
31
23
14
-------
Table 6
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
May 2012
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
Be-7
29
21
CA: Richmond
Be-7
64
23
Cs-137
2.2
1.6
CO: Denver
Be-7
35
16
CT: Hartford
Be-7
38
21
FL: Jacksonville
Be-7
59
21
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
44
22
ID: Idaho Falls
Be-7
101
46
KS: Kansas City
ND
MA: Boston
Be-7
64
21
MI: Lansing
ND
MN: St. Paul
ND
MN: Welch/510
Be-7
50
26
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
46
23
NC: Wilmington
ND
NY: Albany
Be-7
31
20
NY: Yap hank
ND
OR: Portland
ND
PA: Harrisburg
ND
TN: Knoxville
ND
TN: Nashville
ND
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
36
23
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
ND
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
35
14
UT: Salt Lake City
ND
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
ND
15
-------
Table 7
Specific Gamma in Precipitation
June 2012
Location
Nuclide
pCi/L ± 2m
AL: Montgomery/408
ND
AR: Little Rock
Be-7
35
10
CO: Denver
Be-7
25
18
CT: Hartford
Be-7
43
18
FL: Jacksonville
ND
GA: Atlanta
Be-7
89
16
HI: Honolulu
K-40
21
21
ID: Idaho Falls
ND
KS: Kansas City
Be-7
41
21
MA: Boston
Be-7
64
12
MI: Lansing
ND
MN: St. Paul
Be-7
26
18
MN: Welch/510
ND
NC: Charlotte
Be-7
44
19
NC: Wilmington
ND
NY: Albany
Be-7
11.9
9.4
NY: Yap hank
ND
OR: Portland
ND
PA: Harrisburg
ND
TN: Knoxville
Be-7
16.2
9.8
TN: Nashville
ND
TN: Oak Ridge/K25
Be-7
48
21
TN: Oak Ridge/Melton
Be-7
46
19
TN: Oak Ridge/Y12 E
Be-7
32
16
VA: Lynchburg
ND
WA: Olympia
ND
16
-------
Plutonium and Uranium in Airborne Particulates
Environmental radiation levels of plutonium and uranium are determined by the analysis
of annually composited samples (air filters) collected from the airborne particulate
samplers. Plutonium and uranium results are published in the ERD for the third quarter of the
following year.
Concentrations of plutonium-238, combined plutonium-239 and 240, and uranium-234,
235, and 238 are determined by alpha-particle spectrometry following chemical
separation. The volume of air represented by the annual composite typically ranges from
120,000 to 500,000 cubic meters.
17
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18
-------
2. Drinking Water Program
The RadNet drinking water program provides data on radionuclide concentrations in the nation's
drinking water supplies. Sampling sites are either major population centers or selected nuclear
facility environs.
Drinking water data are used to assess trends and anomalies in concentrations. The analysis
scheme for RadNet samples is similar to that of EPA's "National Interim Primary Drinking
Water Regulations." The analyses include (a) tritium on a quarterly basis; (b) gross alpha, gross
beta, and gamma on annual composites; (c) radium-226 if the gross alpha exceeds 2 pCi/L and
radium-228 if the radium-226 falls between 3 and 5 pCi/L on annual composites; (d) iodine-131
on one quarterly sample per year for each station; (e) plutonium-238, combined plutonium-239
and 240, and uranium-234, 235, and 238 for stations that demonstrate gross alpha levels greater
than 2 pCi/L on annual composites; and (f) strontium-90 on one-fourth of the annual composites
on a four year rotating schedule. Composite results are published in the ERD for the third quarter of
the following year.
RadNet drinking water data should not be used to monitor compliance with drinking water regu-
lations or for comparisons to those data since different procedures for collection and analysis
may be used.
19
-------
Table 8
Tritium in Drinking Water
April-June 2012
Date
3H
Location
Collected
pCi/L ± 2u
AK: Fairbanks
04/03/12
102 77
AL: Dothan
04/10/12
37 73
AL: Montgomery
05/31/12
0 78
AL: Muscle Shoals
04/05/12
36 74
AL: Scottsboro
04/04/12
92 92
AR: Little Rock
05/03/12
-43 80
CA: Los Angeles
05/07/12
-80 78
CA: Richmond
05/01/12
5 82
CO: Denver
05/02/12
00
t"-
o
1
CT: Hartford
04/10/12
82 91
DE: Dover
05/08/12
-66 79
FL: Tampa
05/02/12
-17 88
GA: Baxley
06/19/12
14 78
GA: Savannah
05/30/12
-78 75
HI: Honolulu
06/25/12
-16 78
IA: Cedar Rapids
05/30/12
12 79
ID: Boise
04/04/12
110 77
ID: Idaho Falls
04/12/12
2 88
IL: Morris
05/25/12
-81 77
IL: W. Chicago
05/14/12
-36 80
KS: Topeka
04/23/12
68 91
LA: New Orleans
06/22/12
16 79
MD: Baltimore
04/02/12
96 76
MD: Conowingo
04/17/12
26 88
MI: Detroit
04/10/12
82 76
MN: St. Paul
04/03/12
71 75
MN: Welch
04/03/12
11 72
MO: Jefferson City
05/01/12
12 88
MS: Jackson
05/08/12
-57 78
MS: Port Gibson
05/08/12
-37 80
MT: Helena
05/01/12
18 88
ND: Bismarck
05/01/12
69 90
NE: Lincoln
04/11/12
57 90
NJ: Trenton
04/10/12
98 77
NJ: Waretown
04/16/12
55 90
NM: Santa Fe
05/11/12
-23 81
NY: Albany
06/18/12
44 84
NY: New York City
05/01/12
-71 86
NY: Niagara Falls
04/02/12
132 78
NY: Syracuse
05/07/12
62 84
20
-------
Table 8 (continued)
Tritium in Drinking Water
April-June 2012
Date
3H
Location
Collected
pCi/L ± 2u
OH: Cincinnati
05/02/12
12 88
OH: Columbus
05/15/12
-39 80
OH: E. Liverpool
05/03/12
18 82
OH: Painesville
05/02/12
123 95
OH: Toledo
05/14/12
85 84
OR: Portland
06/28/12
-32 77
PA: Columbia
04/10/12
40 75
PA: Harrisburg
04/04/12
114 77
PA: Philadelphia/Baxter
05/23/12
48 81
PA: Philadelphia/Belmont
05/23/12
-23 78
PA: Philadelphia/Queen
05/23/12
-49 76
PA: Pittsburgh
05/01/12
11 82
RI: Providence
05/01/12
-32 79
SC: Barnwell
04/24/12
36 89
SC: Columbia
04/30/12
63 90
SC: Jenkinsville
04/11/12
35 86
SC: Seneca
04/09/12
18 88
TN: Chattanooga
05/18/12
252 93
TN: Knoxville
05/01/12
57 90
TN: Oak Ridge/#360
04/03/12
30 73
TN: OakRidge/#371
04/03/12
79 76
TN: Oak Ridge/#4442
04/03/12
125 78
TN: Oak Ridge/#768
04/03/12
73 75
TN: Oak Ridge/#772
04/03/12
139 79
TX: Austin
05/24/12
-28 79
VA: Ashland
06/12/12
1810 160
VA: Lynchburg
05/02/12
o
00
1
WA: Richland
06/28/12
9 79
WI: Madison
04/19/12
10 88
21
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22
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3. Milk Program
Pasteurized Milk
Milk is a reliable indicator of the general population's intake of certain radionuclides since it is
consumed fresh by a large segment of the population and can contain several of the biologically
significant radionuclides that result from environmental releases from nuclear activities. A
primary function of this program is to obtain reliable monitoring data relative to current radio-
nuclide concentrations and determine any long-term trends.
Milk samples are collected quarterly at each of the sampling sites. The samples are analyzed for
gamma-emitting nuclides, including iodine-131, barium-140, cesium-137, and potassium-40.
Total potassium concentrations in g/L are determined from potassium-40 activities assuming
natural isotopic abundances. During the third quarter collection, one-fourth of the samples are
also analyzed for strontium-90 on a four year rotating schedule.
23
-------
Table 9
Radionuclides in Pasteurized Milk
April-June 2012
Date
K
137Cs
140Ba
131 j
Location
Collected
g/L ± 2 h
pCi/L ± 2m
pCi/L ± 2u
pCi/L ± 2u
AR: Fort Smith
05/16/12
1.65 0.19
ND
ND
ND
AZ: Phoenix
06/29/12
1.60 0.19
ND
ND
ND
CA: Los Angeles
04/23/12
1.69 0.20
ND
ND
ND
CA: San Francisco
04/11/12
1.89 0.23
ND
ND
ND
CT: Hartford
05/29/12
1.73 0.20
ND
ND
ND
DE: Wilmington
04/16/12
1.75 0.20
ND
ND
ND
FL: Plant City
04/24/12
1.59 0.20
ND
ND
ND
HI: Hilo
04/17/12
1.74 0.21
ND
ND
ND
IA: Des Moines
05/07/12
1.64 0.19
ND
ND
ND
KS: Wichita
05/07/12
1.68 0.19
ND
ND
ND
KY: Louisville
04/16/12
1.59 0.19
ND
ND
ND
MA: Boston
06/07/12
1.71 0.20
ND
ND
NR
MD: Baltimore
04/09/12
1.65 0.19
ND
ND
ND
MO: St. Louis
05/09/12
1.57 0.19
ND
ND
ND
NJ: Trenton
04/04/12
1.70 0.19
2.1 1.6
ND
ND
NV: Las Vegas
04/23/12
1.69 0.20
ND
ND
ND
NY: Buffalo
04/18/12
1.66 0.20
ND
ND
ND
NY: Syracuse
04/05/12
1.59 0.19
ND
ND
ND
OH: Cincinnati
05/14/12
1.72 0.20
ND
ND
ND
OH: Cleveland
06/25/12
1.68 0.20
ND
ND
ND
PA: Pittsburgh
04/04/12
1.71 0.20
ND
ND
ND
TN: Chattanooga
04/11/12
1.70 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TN: Knoxville
04/10/12
1.71 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TN: Memphis
05/01/12
1.61 0.19
ND
ND
NR
TX: Dallas
04/24/12
1.63 0.19
ND
ND
ND
TX: San Antonio
04/17/12
1.63 0.19
ND
ND
ND
WA: Spokane
04/27/12
1.58 0.19
ND
ND
NR
WV: Charleston
04/10/12
1.64 0.19
ND
ND
ND
Note: ND = Not detected
NR = No result (not analyzed within 5 half-lives of collection)
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For More Information
Environmental Radiation Data (ERD) is published quarterly by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air.
Requests for information concerning the operation of RadNet and the data that are generated
should be directed as follows:
Requests for information concerning the operation of RadNet, the data that are generated, or
publication and distribution of ERD should be directed to:
Charles M. Petko
Office of the Director
National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601
email: petko.charles@epa.gov
Requests for information concerning policies of the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air should be
directed to:
Jonathan Edwards
USEPA - ORIA
Radiation Protection Division (MC6608J)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
email: edwards.jonathan@epa.gov
***
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